EllenorLions Hospices is changing its name to ellenor in a bid to raise more funds.

The charity, which has provided care to families facing terminal illness for 30 years, and its children and young people service, chYps, will now be known as ellenor following a decision to rebrand.

Bosses say the changes to bring operations under one name are crucial to help raise money to provide care as demand for services increases.

Rachel Holweger, director of fundraising at ellenor, said: “Raising income is becoming increasingly difficult when we are faced with such a competitive fundraising arena, and we’ve found that the confusion around our existing service in the community is becoming greater.

“It’s essential that we strengthen our focus now to ensure we can continue to raise enough money to be able to provide care to more people who need our help.”

A review was launched last year into the charity’s identity in a bid to avoid confusion when fundraising.

The Messenger revealed the decision last June.

Members of the Gravesend Lions Club took exception to the plans, fearing they would be dropped from any name change.

In November, the charity announced it had named the hospice building in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, as Lions House as a sign of the work carried out by Lions members.

At the moment, ellenor cares for more than 150 children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses in the comfort of their own home while more than 1,500 adults are cared for in the hospice and at home.

The charity also runs the EllenorLions Centre in Dartford, for counselling and family support.

ellenor’s chief executive Claire Cardy, said: “We are proud to offer the best care and support to families facing terminal illness in Kent.

“As a charity, not part of the NHS, we are reliant on the generosity of our local community to be able to provide this vital hospice care free of charge to families.

“Now, more than ever, we hope individuals, clubs, groups and businesses will continue to show their support to ellenor, their local charity.”

Lion Mike Parker said: “Local Lions Club members feel immensely proud of the part we played in the organisation’s history by building the Lions Hospice, over 30 years ago, and we are pleased that the building is being renamed to reflect this important contribution.

“We recognise the need for continued development and appreciate the difficulties with fundraising in the current economic climate. The delivery of care is paramount.

“We therefore support the ellenor management team in their efforts to ensure that this valued charity is best placed to continue raising the money needed to provide care in our community now and in the future.”